AirSpaceMag.com

50 Years of Air Racing

Over half a century, a devoted few created the unique culture of Reno

By
Linda Shiner and Caroline Sheen

July 31, 2013

15 of 15

Catch Him If You Can

(Robert Seale)

Dave Morss races a P-51A, Polar Bear, in the Unlimited class and his own Lancair Legacy, Martin’s Legacy, in the Sport class. Over his 33-year history at Reno, Morss has competed in 222 races in five classes, and holds a record—most laps flown—that is unlikely to be broken, especially since he’s still competing in two classes. After a race a few years ago, Morss, a general aviation test pilot and FAA designated airworthiness representative, was watching a video of one his Mustang flights and saw the Canadian Snowbirds aerobatic team jets parked on the ramp. He turned to his wife Karen and said, “Were the Snowbirds there?” His wife explains: “Most years I write a short story about Reno for his website. That’s when he finds out what went on for the week!”

Linda Shiner is the editor of Air & Space/Smithsonian.

Caroline Sheen has been at Air & Space since the premiere issue. As the photo editor, she enjoys reviewing the work of other photographers, but as a photographer, she thrives on being on the flightline at airshows, in the pits at Reno, and flying in vintage airplanes.

Photographer Robert Seale counts among his favorite subjects the legends and heroes of aviation, and his bucket list includes Chuck Yeager, Bob Hoover, Bill Dana, and Joe Engle.